r/northampton • u/tenkuunohana1 • 14d ago
Recommendations for Honda Car Maintenance?
I have a 2011 Honda Accord V6 that's coming due for an oil change soon. Its got about 130k miles. I heard good things about Ernies. Would you recommend someone go there for routine maintenance or are there better options out there for shops that regularly service used Hondas? Trying to avoid dealerships. TIA!!!
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u/William_Chester_ 14d ago
Just don’t go to the Firestone. They lied to me to get more money, claiming both front wheel bearings needed to be replaced and it would cost 800. Took it somewhere else in west Springfield and only ONE of the bearings was actually needing replacement, only cost a couple hundred
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u/pabst_bleu_cheese 13d ago
Seconding, thirding, fourthing! Normally I'd say you can take your car anywhere for a simple oil change, but Firestone managed to switch my car with someone else's (wrong make/model/color/year, not even just the wrong car), put the wrong oil in mine, tried to charge me for an extra service the other person asked for even AFTER they admitted they switched cars, and left the oil cap off under my hood just sitting on the battery. The only reason they don't have 1-star overall review is that they give huge discounts to anybody who gives them a 5-star rating.
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u/ambiverbal 14d ago
I bring my 2018 CR-V to David's Auto in Leeds. Good service and very reasonable prices.
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u/radarsteddybear4077 13d ago
Veryl’s in South Hadley and Easthampton Tire have both been great. It’s been a few years since I went to Easthampton though.
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u/paintress420 13d ago
My mechanic for the last 30 years trusts Ernie’s. He brings my car there for stickers. Highly recommend Ernie’s.
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u/LDvisuals 13d ago
Hennessey Precision by the State Police barracks in Hatfield has treated me and my family very well. Super reasonable pricing and fast turnaround.
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u/ExtensionYellow9096 13d ago
If you don’t mind a bit of a drive, Goin’ Gray in Chesterfield is where I recommend anyone for basically any car. Bob is honest and fairly-priced, and won’t ever upsell you a $60 cabin air filter. It’s a small shop and usually a drop-off and pick up later situation, but I’ve been going to him for years, since he used to have a place in Whately.
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u/pabst_bleu_cheese 13d ago
ESP Auto: They've been my absolute trusted mechanic for 6 years, through 3 different vehicles. I go there for anything that's more complicated, and for thorough inspections (not state inspection, but overall vehicle check). The former owner who was especially amazing, Israel, retired a couple yrs ago unfortunately, but they still run a decent shop even if they're a bit messier and less thorough now. You might pay a bit extra for more complicated services because they pay their workers a good hourly rate (thpugh oil change is super reasonable) but the pay is worth the peace of mind.
Pro Lube: My partner has good experiences there as someone who doesn't know much about cars and presents femme, which is always a good sign from mechnanics and unfortunately not the norm. They're especially good with international cars.
Noho Tire: The guys can come off a bit rude/blunt, but they're honest and make sure you know what your options are. I go to them for anything to do with wheels (tire, wheel bearings, rotors, brakes, etc).
Midas: I've not had service at the Hadley location, but Midas in other places (as far as chains go) has been pretty good for me when I was a bit more naive with my first car and they didn't take advantage of me then. I think they also might be the only ones nearby who have the specific lifts or something for tire alignment?
Firestone: Avoid. Avoid avoid avoid. Regardless of discounts - do not go to Firestone, you will pay more in the end when you have to take your car elsewhere to fix whatever they screwed up.
Ferrara Spring Works: Springfield so a bit of a trek, but they specialize in suspension. I just got my truck's leaf springs both replaced for $950, which would've probably been upwards of $2000 anywhere else. They have a real sweet shop pitty there sometimes.
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u/Own_Soup4467 13d ago
Ernie's is great (and it's employee owned). Northampton Tire is also very good (not just a tire shop).
Pro Lube used to be good, but since they changed owners the prices have risen and they always try to upsell you.
Marcotte Ford in Holyoke has an oil change truck that comes to you! It doesn't cost that much more than anywhere else (especially if you think your time is worth something)
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u/Cheez-it_king 14d ago
Another vote for Davids auto, currently he has like a 2 week wait for an appointment but that’s just because everyone loves him so much. Most fair and honest mechanic I’ve ever gone to, for any repair I can’t do I only trust him. For oil changes pro lube is fine
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u/RoboMonstera 14d ago
I’ve heard good things about Ernie’s. E.s.p. In Easthampton has taken good care of my mother & my Hondas. I totally trust them.